Variable shoe anchoring system

ABSTRACT

The variable shoe anchoring system includes a shoe platform having a variety of anchoring surfaces for securing unlimited combinations of fashion/style accessories having inter-engaging, corresponding anchoring surfaces which adhere the fashion/style accessories securely to the shoe in order to change the overall style and fashion of the shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to male, female and children's shoes and more particularly pertains to a new interchangeable shoe anchoring system for altering the style, fashion and appearance of a shoe.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of interchangeable shoe straps is known in the prior art. In particular all prior art incorporated fixed shoe styles with singular positioned straps and surfaces with fixed decorative cover placement.

Known-prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,992,058; 3,999,311; 4,439,935; 4,461,102; 4,450,633; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 346,686.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a variable anchoring system which provides the ability to change the shoe style and fashion entirely. The inventive device includes a shoe having anchoring surfaces for securing a variety of selectively coupled anchoring fashion accessories which may or may not be structural, in order to change the overall style and fashion of the shoe.

In these respects, the variable shoe anchoring system according to the present invention departs from conventional concepts and designs cited in the prior art, and in so doing provides an anchoring system primarily developed for the purpose of altering the style and fashion of a shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of interchangeable shoe straps present in the prior art, the present invention provides a variable anchoring system construction wherein the same can be utilized for altering the shoe style and fashion. Such changes can include, but are not limited to, accessory placement, type, and design, etc.

Presently all of the known types of interchangeable shoe straps are in fixed positions and locations on the shoe. They are strictly limited to altering the look of the fixed positioned strap or strap member, but the style of the shoe, however, remains unchanged. The present invention embodies the ability of the user to create various shoe styles i.e. T-strap, gladiator, strappy sandal, sheer mesh paneled shoe and ankle strap, to name but a few. The present invention also provides the ability to add unlimited fashion accessories which are not limited to the specific locations cited in prior art.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail, is to provide a new variable shoe anchoring system apparatus and method which has significantly more advantages of the interchangeable shoe straps mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new variable shoe anchoring system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art interchangeable shoe strap covers, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a shoe platform having variable anchoring surfaces (i.e., hook & loop) which are selectively coupled to the corresponding anchoring surfaces of the fashion/style accessory either individually or in conjunction with another accessory for altering the overall appearance, style, feel and fashion of the shoe.

The present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting in scope or application.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.

The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new variable shoe anchoring system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new variable shoe anchoring system which is of a durable and reliable construction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new variable shoe anchoring system which allows wearers to economically alter his/her shoe without having to purchase a completely new shoe.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a variable shoe anchoring system for altering the style and fashion of a shoe.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a variable shoe anchoring system which includes a shoe having anchoring surfaces for securing fashion/style accessories which may or may not be fastening accompaniments of the shoe and/or to a user's foot, and a plurality of decorative fashion accessories which are selectively coupled to the anchoring system for altering the overall style and fashion of the shoe.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a variable shoe anchoring system that allows the user to quickly and easily alter the style and appearance of a single pair of shoes to match a variety of outfits worn by the user in keeping with latest fashion trends, and celebrated various themes and events, i.e. weddings, sporting events, school spirit and holidays, to name a few.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a variable shoe anchoring system that reduces the need for many pairs of shoes to match the variety of attire worn, which also limits the number of pairs of shoes required when managing a tight budget, storing shoes or to be used when traveling, thereby saving packing space.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a variable shoe anchoring system to be used as a vehicle to encourage and allow global participation in providing indigenous fashion/style accessories in the art of beadwork, embroidery and textiles to promote the artist's creation for personal compensation and entrepreneurial endeavors thus aiding in global awareness and support to impoverished communities.

Still another object of the present invention allows the users to reduce the number of pairs of shoes required which contributes to the eco-consciousness of the earth's resources.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a variable shoe strap anchoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an example of an inter-engaging anchoring side of the base anchoring surface.

FIG. 4 is an example of the corresponding inter-engaging anchoring side to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a closed-toe pump front perspective view of a variable shoe strap anchoring system.

FIG. 6 is a flat shoe side perspective view of a variable shoe strap anchoring system with an example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe from a flat to an ankle strap shoe.

FIG. 7 is an exploded back perspective view of the flat shoe depicted in FIG. 4 illustrating the separation of the anchoring fashion accessory from the designated base anchoring portion of the shoe.

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of FIG. 4 illustrating an example of the fashion accessory anchored to the shoe.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a heeled shoe with an attachable and adjustable ankle strap illustrating another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe from an ankle strap heel to a T-strap heel.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a heeled shoe with an attachable and adjustable ankle strap illustrating another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe from an ankle strap heel to a sheer mesh paneled heel.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a heeled shoe with an attachable and adjustable ankle strap illustrating another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe from an ankle strap heel to a strappy heel.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a heeled shoe illustrating another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe to an ankle-tied gladiator type heel.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a heeled shoe with an attachable and adjustable ankle strap illustrating yet another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe from an ankle strap heel to an accessorized double ankle strap heel with front strap fashion accessory.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a wedge shoe illustrating another example of an anchoring fashion accessory changing the style of the shoe to an attachable and adjustable ankle strap chained t-strap shoe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 14 thereof, an infinitely variable shoe anchoring system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 14, the infinitely variable shoe anchoring system 10 generally comprises a shoe 12 with a sole member 14. The sole member 14 has an upper surface 16, a lower surface 18, and a side surface 19. A heel member 20 is coupled to a rear portion (counter) 22 of the lower surface 18 for providing support and a height variance of the user.

The upper surface 16 of the sole member 14 is designed for contouring to a foot of a user such that a bottom of a user's foot contacts the upper surface 16 of the sole member 14.

A strap member 36 with an underside 38 is fixed securely to side edges of the sole member 14 which may or may not secure user's foot to the shoe 12. A vamp or upper 36 and 40 are designed for housing the foot to the sole member. A loop 30 attached to counter 22 holds the attachable and adjustable ankle strap 32 with an underside 34 in place.

The variable shoe anchoring system comprises of base anchoring surfaces (inter-engaging anchoring side) 11 in a variety of locations on the shoe which may be stitched, cemented or otherwise fixed to the vamp or shoe upper 36, counter 28, attachable and adjustable ankle strap 32, and sides of shoe 19. The base anchoring system 11 will be a dry, non-adhesive surface. A hook and loop system (Velcro) or other system, are possible examples of the anchoring system. Velcro U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437 The decorative fashion/style accessories 23, 42, 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 for example, will be fitted with the corresponding anchoring surface 13 which will securely adhere the fashion/style accessory to the specific designated position on the shoe base anchoring surface 11. The adhesion material such as a hook and loop system (Velcro) is weal known, completely dry, non-adhesive, weather resistant, will not rust, rot, or harbor mildew, and durable. Furthermore the shoe anchoring system provides the ability to quickly and easily attach and remove decorative fashion/style accessories to and from the shoe.

The shoe base anchoring surface may be the same color as the shoe and will act as an accent strip so the shoe can be worn without a fashion/style accessory, and still present an attractive, stylish, finished appearance.

The decorative fashion/style accessories may be available to be purchased individually or in combinations to change the fashion and overall style of the shoe.

The heel member 20 is of a variety of styles, fashions and heights for any one particular shoe design or style.

The variable shoe anchoring system is not limited to any one particular size, shape, use or design of shoe. A woman's high-heeled shoe was utilized only as a most likely example. This variable shoe anchoring system could be utilized on any number of types of footwear. Also, the variable shoe anchoring system provide limitless options in ornamental design, thus only several examples have been depicted for clarity.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A variable shoe anchoring system for altering the style, fashion and appearance of a shoe. 2) The variable shoe anchoring system comprising: a) A shoe having a sole member, vamp/upper, counter with fixed loop to hold an attachable and adjustable ankle strap. b) Said sole member having an upper surface, side surface and a lower surface. c) Said upper surface of said sole member being adapted for contouring to a foot of a user such that a bottom of a user's foot contacts said upper surface of said sole member. 3) Additionally, strap members may be present, which may or may not be functional in securing the shoe to the users foot, having a pair of opposite ends. a) Said opposite ends of said strap member being fixed to respective sides of said sole member, an upper fixed to said sole member. b) Said strap member may or may not be the mechanism being such that a foot of the user is held in place against said upper surface of said sole member by said strap member. c) Said strap may also be a purely decorative feature of the shoe. d) Said side of sole member, vamp/upper, counter and attachable and adjustable ankle strap having a first portion of a hook and loop fastener. e) Said first portion of a hook and loop fastener being an integral part of said side of sole member, vamp/upper, counter, and an attachable and adjustable ankle strap such that said top side of said side sole member, vamp, counter and attachable and adjustable ankle strap being adapted for receiving variable positioned fashion/style accessories and strap members for altering the overall style and decorative look of said shoe. 4) Said decorative fashion/style accessories comprising a coupling surface, said coupling surface including a second portion of a hook and loop fastener covering a specific portion of the fashion/style accessory. a) Said coupling surface of said decorative fashion/style accessory being adapted for selectively and specifically coupling to said top side of said anchoring surface of the shoe such that said fashion/style accessory is secured and visible thereby altering the style and fashion of said shoe as desired by the user. b) An adequate portion of said fashion/style accessory shall securely fasten to said anchoring surface. 5) The variable shoe anchoring system of claim 1, further comprising: a heel member coupled to a rear portion of said lower surface of said sole member for providing support, and a height variance of the user. 